Sharjah: Surujan Shanmuganathan struck 102 as Sri Lanka U19 thrashed Afghanistan U19 by 131 runs to enter the semi-finals of the Asia Cricket Council sponsored Under-19 Asia Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday. The left-hander put on 100 for the second wicket with Pulindu Perera, who made 53, in a Lankan total of 243 for 7 in 50 overs. Afghanistan, who were tipped as the favourites, was bowled out for 112 in 28.2 overs with Praveen Matheesha taking 3 wickets for 16 runs for the winners.

According to Sri Lanka Cricket, Shanmuganathan’s Player of the Match effort followed his match-winning half-century against Nepal, securing Sri Lanka’s back-to-back wins. The Lankan innings was further propped up by Vimath Dinsara, who made a quick fire 26. Skipper Vihas Thewmika, Ranjithkumar Newton, and Viran Chamuditha also shone with the ball, claiming 2 wickets apiece.

Already secured in the semi-finals, Sri Lanka leads Group ‘B’ with another game remaining against Bangladesh tomorrow, December 3. The comprehen
sive victory has placed Sri Lanka in a commanding position as they advance in the tournament.